Places to Visit in Haridwar

One of the Tourist places in Haridwar is Har ki Pauri which basically means footsteps of the Lord. It is the holy ghat where river Ganges touches the plains after winding its ways through the Himalayan ranges. Visitors flock along this pious ghat around dawn to take a holy dip. during the Ganga Aarati.

It is mesmerising to watch the whole ghat getting illuminated by the shimmering lights of the three-tiered lamps of fire in the hands of the priests . Additionally, devotees float thousands of diyas on the surface of the water giving the river Ganges an ethereal aura of beauty. A prime attraction during the day time is a footprint imprinted on a wall which is believed to belong to Lord Vishnu.

Location - harkipodi, near Krishna Dham, Kharkhari

Timing - Open at all times

Best Time to Visit - Can be visited every month of the year although summer can be hot during day time.

Mansa Devi Temple, also known as Bilwa Tirth is one of the Panch Tirth (Five Pilgrimages) is within Haridwar. It is a Tourist attraction in Haridwar which is a Hindu temple dedicated to Mansa Devi, goddess of Snake. The temple is located at the top of Biswas Parvat on the Shivalik Hills which is a part of the southernmost range of Himalaya. Visitors can reach the temple either by 3km steep trek or by cable car which is also known as Mansa Devi Udankhatola.

If you are under the impression that Haridwar holds nothing for tourists other than religion and culture, this place is like a breath of fresh air to make things all the more exciting for you. A treat for all wildlife lovers in Haridwar, Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary is home to an impressive range of animals and birds. Among the major wildlife species you can expect to witness here are elephant, tiger, leopard, and bear.

Built in reverence of Sri Ma Anandamayi, this ashram is located at Kankhal in the city of Haridwar. Sri Ma Anandamayi was an eminent spiritual philosopher who belonged to Bengal. Her remains are buried in a crypt at the Ashram which is constructed with white marble.

A centre for spirituality, the ashram brings in visitors from all over the world. The ashram complex has many buildings like Gayatri Yagnashala, Ati Rudra Yagnashala, Rudraksha Tree, Shankaracharya Hall, Annapurnasthal, Ma Anandamayi Museum and Ma Anandamayi Vidyapeeth.

Among these, the most popular one is the Ati Rudra Yagnashala which saw the participation of many saints on the occasion of Ati Rudra Maha Yagna in 1981. A popular attraction here is the Akhand diya which you can see illuminated every time and offers a divine experience for everyone. 

Location: Brahm Vihar Colony, Kankhala, Mayapur, Haridwar, Uttarakhand 

Timing: 24 hours

The Ganga Temple, located in Kankhal, Haridwar, is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Ganga. This sacred temple, known for its serene ambiance and intricate architecture, draws numerous devotees seeking blessings and spiritual solace. The temple's tranquil surroundings make it a peaceful retreat for meditation and worship.

Surya Kund in Haridwar, India, is a sacred water tank located near the famous Har Ki Pauri ghat on the banks of the Ganges River.

Jamnabai Kund, located in Haridwar, India, is a sacred water tank with deep religious significance. Haridwar itself is one of the seven holiest places in Hinduism, known for its numerous temples and ghats along the River Ganges. The kund, or tank, is named after Jamnabai, who is believed to have been a devout follower and instrumental in the spiritual history of the region.

One of the shaktipeeth at the top of Neel Parvat is Chandi Devi Temple, dedicated to Chandika Devi, who was born out of the energy of Devi Durga to kill the demon king's Shumbha-Nishumbha.  

Worshippers visiting this place can opt for a 3km adventurous trek to the hilltop while experiencing beautiful sights punctuated by monkeys around the place. The other, more comfortable, way of traveling is by the Udankhatola, the ropeway service. Few worshippers can also take trolley service which plies along the way. 

There is a pond beside the temple which has medicinal values for which it attracts the visitors who take a dip. There are several vendors around the temple selling Prasad, Diya, agarbatti, etc for those who want to offer puja.

Location - Haridwar, Uttarakhand

Timing - Daily 6 AM - 12 PM & 3 PM - 6 PM

Best Time to Visit - February to October.

Among all the famous shrines and temples that make Haridwar a hub for those seeking God, Bharat Mata Mandir is the most unique one. What makes this temple so special is that the country, India, is worshipped here as a goddess. The temple complex is eight-storeyed and is located near the river Ganges. 

The architecture of the temple is quite different from any other temple you will see in Haridwar. The temple was inaugurated in 1983 by Late Mrs Indira Gandhi. Apart from being a place of worship, the complex also houses an allopathic dispensary, diagnostic camps, cow shelter, an old age home, and a ved shala. 

Undoubtedly, Bharat Mata Mandir is among the interesting places to visit in Haridwar.

Location: Motichur, Haridwar

Timing: 7:30 am to 5 pm

Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar is a paradise for bird watchers. The famous bird watching point is situated at the Bhimgoda Barrage of Haridwar and has been blessed with abundant wildlife, flora, and fauna adding to the beauty of the place.

The place becomes breathtakingly beautiful in winters when colorful birds of various species migrate to this place. Special mention would be Siberian Cranes from Rajliwala. Being very close to many trekking routes in Haridwar, the place is also a favorite amongst the trekkers and nature lovers. Adding to the beauty of the place is the glorious views of the snow-covered Shivalik Hills which makes it to the top list of tourist attractions in Haridwar.

Location - Bhimgoda Barrage

Timing - 07:00 am - 07:00 pm daily

Best Time to Visit - Daily 07:00 am - 02:00 pm. The best time to visit is during winters.

For visitors wishing to indulge in shopping for what Haridwar is famous for, Bara Bazar is one of the Tourist places in Haridwar. This colorful Bazar is the main marketplace of the city. The traditional Bazar which meanders through narrow lanes is full of shops selling religious paraphernalia like Rudraksha seeds, to ayurvedic products and medicines to Churans and digestive powders to handcrafted materials and ornaments.

For sweet lovers, sweet shops are selling various sweets. A special mention is “Pedas” , the local specialty made from milk. For visitors wishing to fulfill a pang of hunger, there are food vendors and small restaurants.

Location - Subhash Ghat, Haridwar

Timing - Daily 9 am to 10 pm

Best Time to Visit - Except for January & July

Amongst the places to visit in Haridwar, is Pavan Dham, one of the oldest temples in India. The temple is famous for its remarkable architecture with its intrinsic glasswork on the designed walls. The idols of this temple have been adorned with precious stones and gems adding to the beauty.

 The beauty of the place enhances when the sun rays reflect on the idols and the walls of the place. So, to enjoy its beauty, visitors should visit the place in daylight. The temple is a part of a non-profit organization that believes in rendering free service to significant social causes. 

Location -Sapt Sarovar Road, Haridwar

Timing - 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily

Best Time to Visit - May-June and August to October. Also, peak winter around December and January.

One of the Places to visit in Haridwar Crystal world is Uttarakhand’s largest Entertainment Destination having an amusement park with a Water World Park and two museums. The amusement park has 39 water and thrill rides (22 rides & 17 slides) which the young visitors enjoy most.

The two museums, India’s Celebrity museum with 14 silicon statues and Interactive Art Museum with 25 3D paintings adds to the fun. The place also has its highway food court where visitors can enjoy food for 3 generations under one roof.

Location - Delhi Rd, Batedi

Timing - Amusement Park - 10:30 am to 8:00 pm, Water Park - 10:30 am to 6:00 pm

Best Time to Visit - All months of the year. Not very comfortable during monsoon season.

Entry Fee - 

Adult : ₹700 (M-Fri) / ₹800 (Sat & Sun)

Children : ₹600(M-Fri) / ₹700 (Sat & Sun)

Sr. Citizens : ₹600(M-Fri) / ₹700 (Sat & Sun)

A must amongst Places to visit in Haridwar is Patanjali Yogpeeth which aims to achieve peace, good health, and happiness by freeing people across the world from diseases without the use of allopathy medicine with its side effects. This is achieved with the help of yoga therapy mainly.

The institute has regular classes on yoga and gives training on various yoga forms. There is also a hospital that gives ayurvedic treatment to visitors traveling from all over the world. The place also has an ayurvedic medicine manufacturing unit. For visitors wishing to stay in this place, there is an accommodation facility as well. 

Location - Maharshi Dayanand Gram, Delhi-Haridwar National Highway Near Bahadarbad

Timing - Ayurveda OPD is open from 9 am to 5 pm. Hospital is open 24 hours

Best Time to Visit - Can be visited in all months of the year.

Entry Fee - Nil. OPD Consultation with Doctors is also free.

Haridwar is famous for lots of items that are sold in the local bazaars such as Intricately carved stone idols, puja utensils made of brass and copper, beads, cane baskets, glass bangles, and other ornaments. People visit Jwalapur Market for souvenirs,fruits and vegetables and also sweets for which it is famous. 

Moti Bazar, the main bazaar of the city, is for Pooja items like Diya, sandalwood paste, etc. and also famous for bangles and ornaments. For holy materials like Rudraksha males, pendants, motifs, etc, visitors must visit the Kankhal market.    

Location - Jwalapur Market at Jwalapur, Moti Bazar at Moti Bazar Road, Kankhal Market at Kankhal, Chowk Bazar, Haridwar

Timing - 9 am to 10 pm daily

Best Time to Visit - Any time of the month

One of the Places to visit in Haridwar is Maya Devi Temple which is dedicated to Goddess Maya Devi, who is the incarnation of Goddess Shakti. One of the Shakti Peethas of Haridwar, the temple is believed to have been built over the place where the heart and navel of Sati had fallen as per mythology.

The temple premises have the idols of Goddess Maya, Goddess Kamakhya and Goddess kali. Apart from being a holy place of worship, the temple is well known for its ancient architectural beauty. The temple is known for its elaborate decoration and celebration during the festivals of Navaratri & also during Kumbh Mela.

Location - Upper Road, Birla Ghat, Haridwar

Timing - 6 AM to 12 PM & 4 PM to 8 PM

Best Time to Visit - February, March, August, September & October.

Saptarishi( the Seven Sages) Ashram derived its name from the Hindu mythology as per which seven great sages Vashishth, Kashyap, Atri, Vishwamitra, Gautam, Bharadwaja, and Jamadagni met in this place to meditate. Located on the bank of river Ganges, the place is also the point from which river Ganges splits into seven different streams, known as sapto sarovars.

There are 5 statues on the banks of the river for the Pandavas. The place is an abode for Hindu saints and sages who reside, mediate and also research worldly and divine dynamics and practice religious rituals. Apart from being one of the Tourist places in Haridwar, the ashram also is a place for students who reside and learn from the saints.

Location - Bhupatwala, Haridwar

Timing - Daily 6 AM to 7 PM

Best Time to Visit - Except January and July